AIM: To assess the level of maxillofacial surgical skills amongst dentists in the Public Oral Health Services. OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of training dentists had received in maxillofacial surgical skills during their undergraduate studies. To identify the training needs of dentists working in the public oral health sector. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was designed and sent to 96 dentists who were employed in the Public Oral Health Services between 2011 and 2012. The questionnaire elicited information on demographics and on the levels of undergraduate training the dentists had received in oral surgical skills. RESULTS: Seventy replies were received, a response rate of 73%. Respondents had received undergraduate training in the following procedures: surgical removal of impacted teeth 85.7%, closed reduction of fractured jaws 72.9%, placement of dental implants 14.3%, and incisional biopsies, 72.9%. Postgraduate training was considered required before attempting surgical removal of impacted third molars (41.4%), closed reduction of fractured jaws (67.1%), incisional (61.7%) and excisional (56.3 %) biopsies. CONCLUSION: Dentists working in the Public Oral Health Services believed that their undergraduate training in maxillofacial surgery did not equip them to perform more complex surgical procedures with skill and confidence.